Lymphedema can be caused by inherited disorders like Milroy’s or Meige’s disease, radiation therapy, prescription drugs, surgeries that remove lymph nodes, and infections or conditions that limit lymph flow. Treatment options vary depending on the cause.
Lymphedema is a condition characterized by high amounts of lymph fluid flowing and staying in the limbs. One of the most common causes of this condition is related to inherited disorders, such as Meige or Milroy’s disease. In other cases, lymphedema may be caused by acute infections or conditions and their respective forms of treatment. For example, surgery that removes lymph nodes is commonly responsible for the development of lymphedema. Additionally, radiation therapy and some prescription drugs have been found to be linked to lymphedema. In cases where a specific medication is to blame, an alternative may be prescribed for those experiencing symptoms of lymphedema, although this is not always the case.
One of the most common causes of lymphedema is hereditary disorders. Milroy’s disease is a common inherited disease that is often the cause of the development of lymphedema. In this condition, the lymph nodes are malformed and cannot adequately maintain lymph flow in the body. In contrast, Meige’s disease, another of the most common causes of lymphedema, has lymph nodes that are unable to control lymph flow. Lymphoedema caused by inherited conditions is often the most effective treatment, due to its ease of early recognition and identification.
In some cases, radiation has been linked to the development of lymphedema. Additionally, some prescription drugs, especially those commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, have been found to be a primary cause of lymphedema. Those starting a new medication and experiencing symptoms of lymphedema should see their doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, a medication that provides similar benefits without lymphedema-related side effects may be prescribed. In other cases, patients simply have to wait for the drug to run its course before lymphedema treatment can begin.
Infections, acute conditions, and the way they are treated are another common cause of lymphedema. Surgeries, for example, are commonly linked to the development of lymphedema, especially those that intentionally or unintentionally remove lymph nodes from the body. Also, in some cases, cancerous or non-cancerous tumors can lead to the development of lymphedema, due to the tumor’s ability to slow or limit the flow of lymph through the body. Sometimes, infections like heartworm disease can also lead to lymphedema. Typically, once these primary conditions are recognized and treated, the symptoms of lymphedema subside and lymph flow through the body returns to normal.
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